love Lanvin

paris fashion week

yes Rachel?

Rachel Weisz in the pages of Black Book magazine. I love the brooches on the sash/belt. And she is channeling my friend Stephanie with a giant solid black bangle. This 39 year old stunner holds her own in some strong silhouettes.

Photography by Nicolas Moore, styling by Marcus Teo

sweet treats

bakery case by San Francisco artist Wayne Thiebaud

glossy strawberry somethings

three treats by Wayne Thiebaud

lemon cake at a dinner in Binghamton NY

cakes by Wayne Thiebaud

funny face cookie sandwiches with fruit stripes gum tounges

chains bracelets

I have never been a real fan of the David Yurman style but here are exceptions. I am sure that his son Evan Yurman has injected more ideas than just getting to tier models in the campaign. There is a fresh more modern look to some of the pieces. I love the multiple and chunky chains that depart from the famous cable design.

a lesson we are all learning

beetle mania

 The Scarab lays eggs in a pellet of dung and roll them along. The ancient Egyptians regarded this action as an image of the sun and its course through the heavens, rolled by a gigantic beetle. Thus scarabs are associated with the Egyptian god Khepri who pushed the sun across the sky. The scarab beetle became the ancient Egyptian symbol for rebirth as the sun crosses the sky to disappear and rise again the next day.

Egyptian winged scarab in gold, carnelian, turquoise and lapis

Scarabs were worn as amulets. They were buried with the dead to ensure the rebirth in the after life. They were placed over the heart of the deceased to keep it from confessing sins during its interrogation in the Weighing of the Heart ceremony.

Egyptian cuff bracelet in gold, turquoise and lapis

Victorian gold scarab beetle necklace at Heirloom Jewelry

Victorian gold and beetle earrings

Victorians were great collectors and adored history and its spoils. The often revitalized ancient jewelry styles. In 1867 the Suez Canal was opened and the Egyptian Revival was launched. 

Emerald Beetle pin at Fossil Cartel

rhino beetle charm by Marty Magic

artist Paulo Guimaraes 1999 anodized aluminum and silver necklace inspired by beetles

sink in and disappear

fine feathered friends

feathered frock

feather and silk ribbon bracelet by Made Her Think

collection of diamond feather brooches in W magazine

feather tickler ring by Made Her Think

black feathered earcuffs. bold look. hope it stays editorial

english garden

Floral Motifs in 19th and 20th Century Jewelry Nature and floral motifs have been a design inspiration throughout the history of modern jewelry, ebbing and flowing with fashions and societal views and influences. Stylized floral motifs were common in the late 18th century Georgian Period, but became more realistic looking during the early Early Victorian Period between 1835 and 1861. Flowers for example were designed three dimensionally, many mounted en tremblant. The use of flora in jewelry design reflected society's interest in nature--and flowers in particular. This slowly changed and by the end of the Late Victorian Period botanical and floral motifs in jewelry were replaced by the stars, moon, and a variety of animal, bird, and insect motifs spurred by a greater interest and participation in outdoor activities.

crazy for tassels

Vera Wnag Tassel Necklace

vintage amber drop earrings

antique tribal tassel

vintage costume red glass bead and brass necklace

silver turquoise and coral tassel earrings

antique french silk tassel

Victorian tassel/fringe bracelets

pique

 Pique is a tortoise shell inlaid with precious metal (usually gold or silver). Pique is made by inserting hot metal into the tortoise shell; the hot metal melts the shell upon contact.

spring is here! outdoor parties!

color charts